Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Chapter 1. Project Area Characteristics Particulate Matter Particulates are tiny drops of liquid or small particles of dust, metal, or other materials that float in the air. Particulate matter is a mixture of these particles. Four different types and sizes exist. Particulates travel into the lungs and become trapped; they cause respiratory ailments, and can carry chemicals that can cause cancer and produce greater health problems (DEP 9 ). Total suspended particulates vary in size up to 45 micrometers in diameter. They can remain suspended in the air for anywhere from several seconds to several months (DEP 9 ). Neither federal nor state air quality standards exist for total suspended particulates. Particulate matter 10 (PM 10 ) is solid matter or liquid droplets from smoke, dust, fly ash, or condensed vapors that are suspended in air for long periods. They are less than 10 micrometers in diameter. Potter County is ranked in the 0 th percentile, meaning that Potter County’s PM 10 pollution is greater than or equal to zero percent of the counties in the U.S. for PM 10 . McKean County is ranked in the 20 th percentile in the U.S. and Pennsylvania. Within McKean and Potter counties, 4,598 tons of PM 10 were emitted in 1999, with 50 percent coming from mobile sources and 46 percent from area sources (Green Media Toolshed, 2005). Particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5 ) is fine particulates with diameters less than 2.5 micrometers. They can accumulate in the respiratory system and are associated with numerous adverse health effects, especially among children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or cardiopulmonary disease (DEP 9 ). When compared to other counties in the U.S., Potter County ranked in the 20 th percentile, while McKean County ranked in the 30 th percentile. Among Pennsylvania counties, Potter County ranked in the 0 th percentile and McKean in the 30 th percentile. In McKean County, 1,055 tons of PM 2.5 was emitted in 1999 with 45 percent coming from area sources. Exact information about the emissions in Potter County was not available (Green Media Toolshed, 2005). Sulfates and Nitrates Classified together as a critical pollutant are sulfates and nitrates. Sulfates are one of the key components in the formation of acid precipitation. Studies to determine the impacts nitrates have in the formation of acid precipitation are ongoing. Both sulfates and nitrates have a role in reduced visibility. Sulfur Dioxide Emitted into the atmosphere from burnt coal or oils that contain sulfur, sulfur dioxide damages trees, plants, and agricultural crops. In addition, it can accelerate the corrosion of monuments, buildings, and iron-containing metals (DEP 9 ). Sulfur dioxide is the main component of acid precipitation; it joins with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid. Children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease are most susceptible to the negative health effects of this pollutant. Potter County is among the cleanest counties in regards to sulfur dioxide pollution in the U.S., being ranked in the 10 th percentile. McKean County, on the other hand, is among the more polluted counties, being ranked in the 70 th percentile. In Pennsylvania they rank in the 0 th percentile and 40 th percentile, respectively. In McKean and Potter counties, 2,471 tons of sulfur dioxide was emitted with 96 percent of it coming from McKean County. Point sources accounted for 86 percent of the total sulfur dioxide emitted from the counties (Green Media Toolshed, 2005). Mercury Although not identified nationally as a critical pollutant, mercury is important. Mercury occurs naturally in air, water, and soil. Many rocks, including coal, release mercury into the atmosphere when 1-6
Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Chapter 1. Project Area Characteristics burned. An estimated half of all mercury deposited within the U.S. comes from sources within the U.S. (EPA, 2005). Approximately 40 percent of the domestic mercury released is from power plants that burn coal. Of the mercury emissions from these plants, only one-third is deposited in the U.S. Mercury emitted into the atmosphere eventually settles into water or onto land, where it is carried to water by runoff. Once deposited, certain microorganisms can change it into methylmercury, a highly toxic form of mercury that accumulates in fish, shellfish, and animals that eat fish (EPA, 2005). Some species of fish and shellfish amass more methylmercury than others; levels of methylmercury vary dependant upon what they eat, how long they live, and their trophic level—where they are located on the food chain. People are exposed to methylmercury primarily through the consumption of fish and shellfish. At high levels, this exposure can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system. In unborn babies, newborns, and young children, high levels of methylmercury can affect the development of the nervous system and impair their ability to learn (EPA, 2005). The EPA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and individual states work together to establish local fish advisories. These advisories suggest how often women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children should eat certain types of fish. Advisories for men, women, and children of all ages are issued when appropriate. Pennsylvania advisories are updated annually on DEP’s website (keyword: fish advisories). The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania advises citizens to limit their consumption of recreationallycaught sport fish from Pennsylvania waterways to no more than one half-pound meal per week. More proactive advice is available for fish caught in the Allegheny River from the confluence of Potato Creek to the Pennsylvania-New York border. It is recommended to limit consumption of recreationally-caught smallmouth bass to one eight-ounce meal per month because of mercury accumulation. In addition, it is recommended to limit consumption of carp caught from Tunungwant Creek between the confluence of the East and West Branches of Tunungwant Creek and the Pennsylvania-New York border to two eightounce meals per month (DEP, 2009b). Impacts of Air Pollution Air pollution negatively affects not only the air quality, but the economy, health, and the environment as well. It contributes to land and water pollution, and alters the chemical makeup of streams and soils. It can lead to impairment or destruction of habitats (through the loss of trees, plants, and animals), decreased property values and incomes, and increased medical expenses and employee absenteeism (Kling & Wuebbles, 2003). Socioeconomic Profile Land-Use Planning and Regulation Land-use plans and regulations protect communities from unwanted land uses. The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code grants municipalities land-use regulation capabilities, such as comprehensive planning, zoning, subdivision regulation, and land-use ordinances. Unwanted or uncontrolled land uses may result when these protective measures are not utilized. Land-use controls utilized by municipalities are identified in Table 1-2 and Figure 1-3. Comprehensive Plans Comprehensive plans serve as a guide for public and private decisions to ensure appropriate development activities. Many municipalities and counties recognize that without formal plans they may be vulnerable to undesirable land uses through uncontrolled industrial, commercial, or residential 1-7
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Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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